Blue Ridge Arrives in Noumea
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS110704-02
7/4/2011
By Mass Communication Specialist Mel Orr, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
NOUMEA, New Caledonia (NNS) -- Seventh Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Noumea, New Caledonia on July 3 for the ship's port visit.
The visit offers the opportunity to serve as goodwill ambassadors, promoting peace and stability in the Oceania region and to demonstrate commitment to regional partnerships and foster growing relationships.
"Visiting ports like Noumea is important to the deepening partnership between France, New Caledonia, and the United States," said Capt. Daniel Grieco, USS Blue Ridge commanding officer. "Our countries share a common strategic interest in promoting peace, fighting terrorism and creating a stable Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to ongoing professional exchanges and development of our mutually supportive relationship."
During the port visit, embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors will engage in staff talks with their French counterparts to increase maritime partnership between the two Navies. The visit is consistent with the United States desire to interact with Pacific rim nations and to promote regional cooperation.
Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the command ship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. CTF 76 is headquartered aboard White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan; with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
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